28 years of coaching lacrosse. 22 conference championships.
All coach Jackie Neary knows is winning. And now, following the closure of Cabrini University, she hopes to continue her illustrious career here at Neumann University.
While she finds the sudden closure of Cabrini tragic, Neary can’t help but tell how excited and grateful she is to be here.
While she remembers her past coaching experience fondly, she’s already fired up for her next adventure.
“Having been here for two weeks with this team, I think we have a ton of potential. I’m very excited. I’m really looking forward to getting on the field and playing games,” says Neary.
After having simultaneously coached the field hockey and lacrosse teams at Cabrini, this jump to Neumann has her just focused on lacrosse. That has posed an unfamiliar yet good feeling.
“Right now, I’m loving lacrosse. I didn’t realize what having a full fall season is like… Being with your spring team in the fall for 4-5 weeks is really powerful,” explains Neary.
Neary states that she wants to instill in her players a love for the game of lacrosse and a love for the school they’re playing for. Clearly, Neary puts a lot of value in hard work and working together as a team.
“There is more power in the U.S., vs me. I want the girls to buy into how hard we have to work in order to be successful on the field,” says Neary.
Clearly, her approach is working.
“I really admire Jackie! She is very nice; you can talk to her about anything and most importantly she pushes you to be the best that you can be! I am extremely excited to have Jackie as our coach this season” says Junior Ainsley George.
While her job is coaching on the field, Neary’s favorite part about coaching is the community that the sport builds. She loves meeting the spectating families and loves meeting people as she recruits.
“I’ll never remember scores, but I’ll always remember families and their kids that have played for me. Seeing their families is the best part,” says Neary.
Neary fits in right here at Neumann. Not only does she have six of her former Cabrini Cavaliers now at Neumann, but she also feels connected to the players who were already here.
To see Neary in action, check out the Women’s Lacross Schedule here!
